Christopher A. Lenius Coordinator of Gifted Services

Transcription

1 Christopher A. Lenius Coordinator of Gifted Services Chaska High School 545 Pioneer Trail Chaska, MN chs.district112.org Chanhassen High School 2200 Lyman Blvd Chanhassen, MN cns.district112.org March 2016 Dear Future Chaska or Chanhassen High School 9 th grader and Parent(s)/Guardian(s), As a part of achieving our district s mission of exceptional, personalized learning, Chaska and Chanhassen High Schools offer two different versions of 9th grade Physics. Our goal is to help students and families choose the courses that are the best fit for the student s interests and what the student is ready to learn. If students are placed in accelerated courses for which they are ready, motivated, or interested, then students, parents, and teachers struggle with the incorrect placement and students do grow and learn like they should. Therefore, objective identification criteria are used alongside a guided student self assessment to determine, for each individual student, where they are most likely to reach their fullest potential. All 9th grade students, whether in Physics or Physics X, learn the same content, are assessed on the same standards, and are equally prepared for their futures. But because students learn at different rates, this content is taught on two different schedules: the full year for Physics, and half of a year for Physics X. Students who take Physics X in fall of 9 th grade take Chemistry X in the spring. Students who take year long Physics in 9 th grade will take Chemistry in 10 th grade. Full year Physics provides the right amount of practice and repetition for most 9 th graders, while Physics X is designed for students with very strong math skills who are highly motivated in science and able to learn independently. Physics X has significantly less practice and repetition than most students need to be successful. year long Physics, year long Chemistry Appropriate for most students Two full year courses: 9th and 10th grade Each course covers 1 year of standards in 1 year. Therefore, each earns 1.0 credit. Physics X, Chemistry X Appropriate for some students Two half year courses: 9th grade fall and 9th grade spring Each course covers 1 year of standards in 1 semester. Therefore, each earns 1.0 credit. Covers standards for Physics and Chemistry, so meets the graduation requirement for Physics and Chemistry. Prepares students for Biology and for AP or college courses in Physics and Chemistry. Incorporates the amount of practice and repetition appropriate for most students. Incorporates much less practice and repetition than most students need. If you think Physics X may be the best fit for you, please complete the attached four page packet and return it in one of the ways indicated by Thursday, March 24. Please contact me with any questions. We re looking forward to seeing you here in high school in a few short months! Sincerely, Chris Lenius, Coordinator of Gifted Services

2 High School Physics X: Self Assessment and Reply Successful students in Physics X have strong math skills, are highly motivated, have a strong interest in science, and are fast learners who enjoy challenges. Student Name Chanhassen High School Chaska High School Part 1: Math Standardized Test Scores Mark one of these and follow the instructions: I attended Chaska Middle School East, Chaska Middle School West, or Pioneer Ridge and took the MAP Math test in 6 th and 7 th grades. Look up your scores on Parent Portal and enter them here. On the tables below, convert your scores from each year into. Spring 6 th grade (2014) MAP Math Test Spring 7 th grade (2015) MAP Math Test 250 or above = 4 pts = 3 pts = 2 pts 244= 1 pt 243 or below = or above = 6 pts = 5 pts = 4 pts = 3 pts 251= 2 pts 250= 1 pt 249 or below = 0 Enter your test scores and in the blanks below. Add together your from 6 th and 7 th grade.. + = 6 th grade 7 th grade 6 th grade 7 th grade total test score test score I attended a different school, or I did take the MAP Math test in 6 th and 7 th grades. Find your results from aher standardized test of mathematics. Acceptable tests include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (Mathematics Total, NPR), the TerraNova (Math Composite Score, National Percentile by Grade), the Stanford Achievement Test (Total Mathematics, National PR), the ACT Explore (Mathematics Test, Percent in the U.S. scoring at or below your score), the MCA Mathematics test (percentile), and other statewide math tests (percentile). Classroom tests and course grades should be used. If you have questions about test scores, contact Mr. Chris Lenius at LeniusC@District112.org or On the tables below, convert your percentile into. Spring 6 th grade (2014) Standardized Math Test Spring 7 th grade (2015) Standardized Math Test 94 th 99 th percentile = 4 pts 91 st 93 rd percentile = 3 pts 89 th 90 th percentile = 2 pts 87 th 88 th percentile = 1 pt 86 th percentile or below = 0 95 th 99 th percentile = 6 pts 93 rd 94 th percentile = 5 pts 91 st 92 nd percentile = 4 pts 89 th 90 th percentile = 3 pts 88 th percentile = 2 pts 86 th 87 th percentile = 1 pt 85 th percentile or below = 0 Enter your percentiles and in the blanks below. Add together your from 6 th and 7 th grade.. + = 6 th grade percentile 7 th grade percentile 6 th grade 7 th grade total Print a copy of your test score reports, highlight or circle applicable scores, and attach the copies to this packet. What your scores mean: Math achievement test scores are the only indicator of which Physics course is the best fit for a student, but they do provide some helpful information. If you had 0 5, year long Physics is probably the better course for you. If you had 6 10, Physics X might be the better course for you. Page 1

3 Part 2: Self Assessment Questions For each of the statements below, identify whether it describes you,,,, or. Answer honestly, and be specific in your responses to the open ended questions. A. I am highly motivated. Ways I demonstrate this include: 1. I am able to and I enjoy working independently 2. I am able to and I enjoy working collaboratively as a team member 3. I have enthusiasm for learning experiences 4. Describe a specific time when you were highly motivated in school. B. I have a strong interest in science. Ways I demonstrate this include: 1. I have thoroughly enjoyed previous science classes 2. I have a deep understanding of advanced science concepts 3. I learn about science on my own outside of school, even when connected to a class 4. Describe a specific time that demonstrates your strong interest in science. Page 2

4 C. I am a fast learner who enjoys challenges. Ways I demonstrate this include: 1. I enjoy challenges and challenging courses 2. I need less practice than other students to learn math and science 3. I am able to learn complex concepts independently 4. Describe a specific time when you needed less practice and repetition than other students to learn something challenging and complex. 5. Describe a specific time when you were genuinely challenged and you dealt well with it. What your answers mean: Motivation, interest, and the ability to learn with less practice and repetition, and are the only indicators of which Physics course is the best fit for a student, but they do provide some helpful information. If you answered,, or for more than just a few questions, or if you had difficulty answering the open ended questions, year long Physics is probably the better fit. If you answered or for all of the questions, and you were easily able to write specific answers to the open ended questions, Physics X might be the better fit. Page 3

5 Part 3: Your decision Everyone s goal for this process is the same to help you get into the course where you will learn and grow the most, so you can reach your maximum potential. For most 9 th graders, the best course is year long Physics. For a few 9 th graders, it s Physics X. Year long Physics is the better course for students who had 0 5 on standardized math tests OR who answered or less for more than a few questions OR who struggled to answer the open ended questions. Physics X is the better course for students who had 6 10 on standardized math tests AND answered or more for most of the questions AND easily answered the open ended questions. Physics X (and Chemistry X in second semester) would take more time and effort for you than year long Physics X would. Be sure to carefully consider other classes you re taking as well as other activities at school and outside of school. You will be most successful when you balance challenging yourself with keeping everything manageable. Read carefully and mark one: After considering everything in this packet, I think that year long Physics ( Physics X) is the best fit for me. Please place me in that class. After considering everything in this packet, I think that Physics X is the best fit for me. Please place me in that class. NOTES TO STUDENTS CHOOSING PHYISCS X: Like all incoming 9 th graders, you still register for year long Physics in the online registration system. We make this change after registration is complete. If you did find your 6 th and 7 th grade MAP Math scores on parent portal, be sure to attach copies of your standardized test scores to this packet when you turn it in. Student Name Chanhassen High School Chaska High School I understand this self assessment process and I support my student s decision. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Please return this packet to the main office of Chaska High School or Chanhassen High School by Thursday, March 24, Or, you may scan all four pages and to LeniusC@District112.org Page 4